I hope this e-mail finds you and members of your community safe and healthy.

I apologize for the delay in this email, but the IGFA Headquarters had to modify plans for celebrating IGFA Day 2020 due to the current global pandemic. Instead of having a theme focused on youth angling education and promoting group gatherings, the theme has changed to focus on individual anglers. This only makes sense to promote the safety of all around the world while we celebrate our sport.

You can find more information on this page of our website and more details will be coming next week, but here’s the update as of now.

If you can help us spread the word or feature a story on your social media with the #igfaday2020 during June 1st and June 14th, that would be great in showing anglers around the world just how much fun recreational fishing is and will always be.

A sincere note of thanks should be sent to Peter Adams and his Task Team. Super Effort!

If you are not a merit badge counselor and are called to service by reading these guides, please call your local Council today! The youth are deserving of your time, and the return of your investment of time is huge!

SUMMARY

As Scouting moves to virtual and online platforms, we offer the following reminders to help keep kids safe. The below guidance applies to all online Scouting activities and meetings.

Note: Some states may have legal requirements that differ from, and even go beyond, what is provided here. It is your responsibility to check and abide by your state laws and consult your local council when reviewing and applying the following guidance, which is not comprehensive.

I have agreed once again to accept the leadership of the Jamboree Fishing Program. This will be the 12th National Jamboree I have managed this fishing event. Each was challenging and success was always been based on a dedicated staff, which were there for one reason – To provide very positive fishing experiences to our customers – The Scouts. To this end, I invite you to be a part of our staff.

Michael Brand will be our Vice-Lead. Michael brings strong management and communications skills. Additionally many of our past leaders will return and others perhaps will accept an expanded role.

Are you ready to “Face the Challenge”? The National Jamboree Executive Committee has announced that registration is now open for older youth and adults to participate as Jamboree Service Team (JST) members. Program options are available and I hope you might choose Fishing to positively impact Scouts and guests attending Scouting’s premier celebration. Click this link to get started.https://jamboree.scouting.org

There will be three JST sessions during the 2021 National Scout Jamboree to allow flexibility to desired applicants. You will be able to select a session that best suits your schedule when applying to serve at the Jamboree. The following sessions will apply:

●Session 1 (July 17-24, 2021)

●Session 2 (July 24-31, 2021)

●Session 3 (July 17-31, 2021)

Fees range from $450 to $895 with a deposit of $195 due at submission.

he first 2021 Jamboree Service Team applications that sign-up and pay the deposit will receive the “Challenge Accepted!” temporary uniform patch. (As shown below and if still available).

Once you sign-up your application goes through a review and approval by your council. You will be ask to select your top three staff options. Many of us will select Fishing for all three. Once an application is clear, it goes to the first option to accept. We will move quickly for accepting qualified staffers.

Last Jamboree we had 84 on staff and for 2021 we have approval for a nice increase in order for our staff to have more time off to enjoy the Jamboree. I now urge you the sign-up early and get a fellow Scouter to join you to staff fishing.

First and foremost, I hope you and your family are continuing to stay safe and healthy during this pandemic.

I am sure that you are tired of hearing about the pandemic but, these last few months will change how Scouting operates going forward. I speak on behalf of all us, we want Fishing to stay relevant inside of BSA.

I know some of you have been offering fishing and fly fishing merit badges online. Members of the National Fishing Sub-committee applaud those efforts as you continue to Deliver the Promise! Way to be innovative!

We would like to find out what you are doing and how you are doing it. We will be compiling your best ideas to form a format for all CAIs to offer to their Scouts.

it is with deep sadness we inform you that VenturingFest 2020 has been cancelled due to local and state COVID-19 restrictions. Because so many VenturingFest activities are group-oriented, it will not be possible to hold or reschedule the event this year, and it will not be rescheduled for 2021 as the focus will be on Venturing attendance at the 2021 National Jamboree.